USADA announced today that Joseph Papp, of Bethel Park, Pa., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has received an eight-year sanction for his second anti-doping rule violation.

This non-analytical anti-doping rule violation is a result of Papp distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs on behalf of a Chinese drug distributor via the Internet for which he was also charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for violations of federal law. Papp pled guilty to two felony charges as a result. This is Papp’s second anti-doping rules violation as he tested positive for a prohibited substance and received a two-year sanction in May 2006.

Papp, 36, received a reduction to an eight-year sanction in accordance with the rules since he has provided substantial assistance to anti-doping authorities, sharing information about ongoing criminal activity as well as potential anti-doping rule violations by athletes under USADA’s jurisdiction and/or the jurisdiction of other anti-doping organizations.

As a result of USADA’s sanction, Papp was also disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to January 1, 2007, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes. Papp’s period of ineligibility began on September 1, 2007, the day he accepted a provisional sanction and began providing assistance under the rules, and will end on August 31, 2015.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.